Unlocking

[IphoneRefurb]

Hey Telus,

I'm just wondering if you may unlock my device earlier than Dec 1/2017 as per the CTRC banning ransom unlock fees for mobile phones. I know there will be a rush of people coming in to have this done ASAP, and just wondering if you might skip the 3 month wait. 

[NFtoBC · Accepted solution]

To my knowledge, there has been no indication that this will be offered any earlier than December 1.

[IphoneRefurb]

Thanks. Kinda figured they'd wanna scoop as much cash as they can before the new regulation is enforced.

[yag100]

It's literally the dumbest thing too if you are getting a new phone from them now it's still locked.  It makes 0 sense to buy a new phone (note 😎 and needing it to be unlocked 3 months down the road.

[Nighthawk]

You can by a fully unlocked Note 8 directly from Samsung Canada.

[yag100]

find me one that i can buy for an equivalent of 850 CDN and I will.  It's a simple feature that requires little to no effort on telus' part to fix.  In fact if they did I would assume they'd actually get more sales just on the simple QoL of not having to go in to unlock it like every other mobile company.

[TwitchyPuppy]

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@Nighthawk wrote:

You can by a fully unlocked Note 8 directly from Samsung Canada.

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Not exactly the same price as a carrier subsidized one.

[r042wal]

That was one of the reason I dumped Telus yesterday after 14 years.  $21 owing on my plan, I wanted to upgrade to an iPhone 8 and they wouldn't waive the unlock fee.  I said "FY" Telus and went to Roger's.  Add myself as a second line on my wife's account for $80, got the iPhone 8 for $229, she got the iPhone 7 for $49, plus I got $549 in credits!  Our combined monthly charge is less than what we paid individually through Telus and Roger's.

[TwitchyPuppy]

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@IphoneRefurb wrote:

Hey Telus,

I'm just wondering if you may unlock my device earlier than Dec 1/2017 as per the CTRC banning ransom unlock fees for mobile phones. I know there will be a rush of people coming in to have this done ASAP, and just wondering if you might skip the 3 month wait. 

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They might, out of good will. But they aren't obligated.

[robinhood]

Here are the facts about the change in Unlocking laws:

• When you buy a phone on a contract, it is "locked" to that carrier.  In order to unlock, so you can switch to a different carrier, the carriers charge at least $50 (for them to push a button.)
• The CRTC (Canadian Government watchdogs) forced a new law into place.  Telus and the other carriers tried using their expensive lawyers to fight the law but they lost because the government acknowledges that this is one of many ways consumers are being gouged.
• When you purchase a phone after December 1st, the carrier will be required to unlock it for free on your request -- after a 90 day waiting period.
• This does not apply to phones purchased before December 1st, and the carriers will likely increase those unlocking fees to recoup their "losses".

If you have a phone that you want unlocked for a reasonable price, check Craigslist, eBay and other online sites.  (As with any online purchase do a bit of research so you know you're not getting ripped off.)  You are legally allowed to use any service to unlock (but the carrier won't tell you that!)

After your phone is unlocked, you can still use your current carrier if you like, or you can insert [almost] any other valid SIM card in the World and it will instantly work.  When traveling, you will be able to purchase a "disposable" SIM to give you great rates (instead of paying for roaming).  Travel SIM cards are readily available at places like American & Mexican 7-11's.

Here is a link to the CRTC Press Release about the law change: https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/mobile/change.htm

[NFtoBC]

@robinhood

  The link you posted states: 

 Unlocked cellphones

Mobile devices unlocked free of charge, upon request, and all newly purchased devices unlocked.

Where are you finding information indicating older devices will still have a fee assessed for unlocking, and the 90 day waiting period applies to new phones?  Some stores (Best Buy) are already selling phones unlocked in anticipation of this requirement.

Please stop spreading FUD.

[giantbrownguy]

I think the CRTC link is pretty clear. No fees to unlock.

[TwitchyPuppy]

*** double post ***

[ThisGuyDoesntCare]

As of Dec. 1, 2017, carries won't be allowed to sell phones that are locked period, so there will be no "90 day waiting period", as the phone will be unlocked from the start.